What is the difference between a headshot, branding and portrait session?
If you’ve been searching for Darwin photographers to update your business images, you’ve probably come across two popular options: headshots and branding photography. While they might sound similar, they serve very different purposes - and knowing which one you need can make all the difference in how your business is seen.
At The Business Photographer (a brand run by Georgia Politis Photography), I specialise in helping Darwin businesses tell their story through professional imagery. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the difference between headshots and branding photography, and how each can benefit your business.
What is a Headshot?
A headshot is a professional portrait, usually cropped from the shoulders up, designed to show your face clearly and confidently. Think LinkedIn, company websites, or media profiles - anywhere people need to quickly connect your face with your name.
Purpose: Showcase you as a professional.
Style: Clean, polished, and approachable.
Uses: LinkedIn, business cards, Zoom profiles, company websites, and press releases.
If you’re searching for a Darwin headshot photographer, this type of session is perfect if you only need a professional image of yourself or your team.
What is Branding Photography?
Branding photography goes beyond a simple portrait. It’s about creating a collection of images that visually tell your business story and reflect your brand identity, generally for one person. This may include:
Lifestyle portraits that show your personality.
Behind-the-scenes images of your workspace or process.
Detail shots of tools, products, or services.
Team photos that showcase culture and values.
Purpose: Showcase your brand identity.
Style: Tailored to match your business personality (professional, creative, approachable, luxury, etc.).
Uses: Websites, social media, email campaigns, advertising, and presentations.
If you’re looking for branding photography in Darwin, this is the best option for creating consistent, professional imagery across all your marketing platforms.
What is Marketing Photography?
Marketing photography is often confused with branding, but it’s broader. Instead of focusing just on the individual, it covers your whole business presence and team.
Purpose: Showcase your team, workplace, and client experience.
Style: Professional yet dynamic, designed to represent your business culture.
Uses: Websites, team pages, advertising campaigns, brochures, and promotional material.
Examples include team portraits, group headshots, staff working together, and images of your workplace that highlight your services.
If you’re a Darwin business with multiple staff or a client-facing environment, marketing photography helps you visually communicate professionalism and trust.
Which One Do You Need?
Headshot → for a polished, professional image of yourself.
Branding photography → for individuals wanting a personal brand presence.
Marketing photography → for businesses needing team, workplace, and service-based images for wider marketing use.
Some businesses choose one. Others invest in all three for a complete image library to cover every platform.
The Final Touch…
Headshots, branding photography, and marketing photography are powerful tools - but each tells a different story. A headshot captures you, branding photography captures your personal brand, and marketing photography captures your whole business.
At The Business Photographer, I work with Darwin professionals and businesses to create images that reflect both individuality and brand identity.
👉 Ready to update your business imagery? Visit www.thebusinessphotographer.au to learn more about branding, marketing, and headshot photography in Darwin.